UK, EU Forge New Ties in Post-Brexit Era

Britain and the European Union (EU) on Monday reached a landmark deal setting out closer ties on defence and trade, launching a new chapter after the UK's acrimonious exit from the bloc five years ago.

- Agence France-Presse

LONDON:

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it "marks a new era in our relationship... We are agreeing a new strategic partnership fit for our times".

The defence deal will mean more regular security talks, Britain possibly joining EU military missions and the potential for London to fully tap into a €150 billion ($167-billion) defence fund being set up by the bloc.

The two sides also agreed to lift controls imposed on UK exports to the 27-country bloc, in exchange for Britain extending EU fishing rights in British waters for a further 12 years.